A DRIVE to stop anti-social youths from getting into trouble on Newton Abbot’s streets is being launched by a leading district councillor.

Recruits are being sought for a new ‘fight club’ which will be unveiled on the town’s Buckland Estate next Thursday.

A hike in unruly youths running riot around the town has prompted Teignbridge member Reg Winsor to take action.

He is setting up ‘Fight Club Talk’ meetings to give youngsters a place to channel their grievances and also talk about mental health issues.

Cllr Winsor, who compared his venture to 1990s TV show Walker, Texas Ranger, said it was ‘a club with a difference aimed at getting kids off the streets.’

Martial arts professionals will also be on hand at the gatherings to get the youngsters’ self-defence skills up-to-scratch.

The district councillor explained he was also concerned about disaffected youths after two young men killed themselves in Newton Abbot.

He explained: ‘A lot of teenagers do not have anyone to talk to or anywhere to go, but our club will provide a place for people, who have problems, to go and talk.’

Cllr Winsor, who compared himself to Chuck Norris in the hit US Ranger show, added: ‘Some of the youngsters today have no flippin’ discipline.

‘There will be no swearing, no drugs or no nothing at the club – and if they can’t stick to that then they’ll have to go home.’

A thriving group – similar to the one Cllr Winsor has set up – is currently running in Torquay.

The first meeting will take place in Buckland Community Centre on December 13 from 6pm until 8pm.

Cllr Winsor is on a mission to set up at least eight other schemes across the west country.

‘This is just my contribution to try to help,’ Cllr Winsor added.